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AEG
AEG (Automatic Electric Gun) is a type of airsoft gun powered by an electric motor. A battery-powered motor spins a set of gears inside a gearbox, which compress a piston. When released, the piston pushes air through a nozzle into the hop-up chamber and fires a BB through the barrel. AEGs are the most common airsoft guns thanks to their reliability, affordability, and ability to fire in both semi-auto and full-auto modes. Most stock models reach a muzzle velocity of 300–400 FPS with 0.20 g BBs.
What is an AEG and how does it work
An AEG operates in three phases. In the electrical phase, the battery supplies current to the motor, which starts spinning. In the mechanical phase, the motor pulls the piston back against the spring through a set of gears. When the sector gear releases the piston, the pneumatic phase begins – the piston snaps forward, compresses air in the cylinder, and that air pushes a BB through the nozzle and hop-up chamber.
The heart of every AEG is the gearbox (mechbox). Several versions exist depending on the gun platform:
- V2 – the most common, used in M4, M16, and MP5 platforms
- V3 – AK, G36, SIG
- V6 – P90, Thompson
- V7 – M14
Muzzle velocity (FPS) depends on spring tension. Higher battery voltage increases the rate of fire (RPS), not FPS. A standard AEG reaches 12–15 RPS with a NiMH battery and 15–20 RPS with a LiPo 11.1 V. Tuned builds can exceed 40 RPS.
Batteries for AEG
The choice of battery directly affects the rate of fire and trigger response. Three main types are used:
| Type | Voltage | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| NiMH | 8.4 V | Cheap, safe, lower performance. Good for beginners. |
| LiPo | 7.4 V (2S) | Lighter, better performance than NiMH. Standard choice for most players. |
| LiPo | 11.1 V (3S) | Highest rate of fire and trigger response. Requires a MOSFET to protect trigger contacts. |
LiPo batteries need a balance charger and proper storage. Without a MOSFET, running 11.1 V will burn the trigger contacts over time.
AEG vs GBB
AEG and GBB (Gas Blowback) represent two different approaches to airsoft guns. Each type has its strengths:
| Feature | AEG | GBB |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | High, performs consistently in all temperatures | Depends on gas temperature |
| Realism | Lower – no blowback | Higher – moving slide, recoil |
| Entry price | Around $200–$300 for a quality base model | Usually higher |
| Magazine capacity | 100–300+ BBs (mid-cap/hi-cap) | 20–30 BBs (realistic capacity) |
| Temperature sensitivity | None | Significant below 10 °C / 50 °F |
| Maintenance | Less frequent | Regular seal lubrication needed |
AEG maintenance
Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of an electric airsoft gun and keeps performance consistent:
- Barrel – clean with a cleaning rod after every game day. Residue inside the barrel reduces accuracy.
- Hop-up bucking – check for wear every 10,000–15,000 rounds. A worn bucking causes unstable BB flight.
- Gearbox – open once per season, remove old grease, and apply fresh grease to the gears and piston.
- Battery – store LiPo batteries at storage voltage (3.8 V per cell). Never discharge below 3.0 V per cell.
- Trigger contacts – on guns without a MOSFET, inspect the contacts regularly. Burned contacts worsen trigger response.
Related terms: mechbox, MOSFET, GBB, hop-up, FPS